Pints With Aquinas

Russell Brand, British comedian-turned-author who recovered from addiction, discusses his turn to Christianity and his new book. He talks about public allegations and legal limits on discussing them. He describes recovery, baptism, spiritual encounters, the 12-step parallels to faith, and why he feels drawn to Catholic practice.

Fr. Simon Esshaki, a Catholic priest known for teaching on prayer and spirituality, offers practical ways to simplify daily prayer. He defines prayer as relationship with God. Short, actionable ideas include starting with the Lord's Prayer, practicing the Jesus Prayer, using the ACTS framework, keeping silent presence in adoration, and making family rosary sustainable.

Dr. J. Budziszewski, philosopher and UT Austin professor known for work on natural law and critiques of materialism. He explores nihilism’s emotional roots and Nietzsche’s rhetorical power. They debate transhumanism, AI, and limits of human enhancement. Conversation touches sexual ethics, marriage as committed love, and practical steps to live as if God exists.

Sister Mary Grace, who supports women after crisis pregnancies, and Sister Magnificat, who leads outreach and healing, respond to real Reddit posts with compassion. They discuss listening, practical community support, hidden grief after abortion, and resources for healing. Short, hopeful conversations offer presence and practical paths forward.

Shayne Smith, comedian and convert to Catholicism who left occult practices behind, shares his journey from tarot and Satanist activism to faith. He talks about translating conversion into comedy, performing for mixed audiences, encounters with the Pope, online backlash, and why Catholicism is drawing seekers today.

Dr. Thomas Madden, medieval historian and Church history professor, debunks popular anti‑Catholic myths. He tackles the flat Earth legend, the Galileo story, the medieval Inquisition, Joan of Arc’s trial, and why Bibles were chained. Short, sharp takes with references to his books and website.

Stephen C. Meyer, Ph.D., philosopher of science and director at the Discovery Institute, discusses intelligent design and critiques of modern evolutionary theory. He explores DNA as information, limits of mutation and natural selection, the Cambrian suddenness, origins of language and human uniqueness. He also reflects on cultural shifts around New Atheism and the rise of design-minded science.

Martin Shaw, New York Times bestselling mythographer known for retelling fairy tales, joins to tell the Irish tale The Birth of Oisin. He narrates Finn McCool, the enchanted doe who becomes Sive, love and battle, a long grief-stricken search, and the surprising arrival of a child who restores joy. Short, melodic storytelling that brings mythic characters and fate vividly to life.

Fr. John A. Perricone, a priest, author and teacher formed in the late 1960s, recalls seminary turmoil and a decades‑long crisis in doctrine and discipline. He describes classroom heresies, moral collapse, and efforts to preserve the Traditional Latin Mass. He also celebrates a growing revival: young priests, renewed interest in Thomism, and a return to traditional liturgy and formation.

Trent Horn, Catholic apologist and author of Answering Atheism, joins to revisit debates and refine his approach. He critiques popular atheist arguments and analogies. Topics include the fine-tuning argument, burden of proof, divine hiddenness, and Church teaching on invincible ignorance.